DE69630087T2 - Processor holder, process cartridge, and electrophotographic imaging device - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND STATE OF THE ART

The present invention relates to a developing device holder (in the claims (developing device holder called), a process cartridge and one with such a process cartridge stocked electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

The electrophotographic imaging device is a Device, with which after an electrophotographic imaging process images are formed on a recording medium. Electrophotographic Imaging devices are for example copiers, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, Laser beam printer), fax machines, electrophotographic automatic text machines etc.

The process cartridge is one with one electrophotographic, light-sensitive element, a charging device, a developing device and a cleaning device as one Unit equipped Cartridge, which is exchangeably attached to the main assembly of the imaging device can be. The unit mentioned can be made up of an electrophotographic, photosensitive element and at least the charger, the Developing device or the cleaning device composed his. But you can also only from a developing device and an electrophotographic photosensitive member his.

An imaging device is known with which after an electrophotographic process and when using a process cartridge of the type mentioned images are generated. Such a device exhibits the advantage that the Maintenance can be carried out by the operator himself without using a service company to have to avail and its usability can be significantly improved. equipment of this type are used worldwide.

The one used in such devices process cartridge is with a cleaning unit, which is a loading device, a Cleaning device and a photosensitive drum as an integral Has components, and a developing unit, which a developing device and a toner container for supplying the developing device with toner as integral Has components. The Cleaning unit and the developing unit are through a connecting element connected with each other.

In this case, the development unit a toner frame for receiving the to the developing device delivering toner and a developing frame for receiving the developing device on. The toner frame and the developing frame are ultrasonically welded together connected.

The development frame is with a Provide holder for attaching the developing device.

The developer holder is used for assembly the process cartridge to improve.

The present invention has the Task to further develop the state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Main object of the present invention is the provision of a developer device holder, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the parts used are effectively attached to the development frame.

Another task of the present Invention is to provide a developer holder a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which are easy to assemble.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of an inexpensive developer holder with many functions.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a developer device holder, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic equipped with such a process cartridge Image forming apparatus, being used to insert the process cartridge into the main unit assembly a guide on the side is arranged, on which an antenna contact is located.

The features of the invention are in the attached claims explained. These and other tasks, features and advantages of present invention are preferred from the following description embodiments more clearly recognizable in connection with the attached drawings.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 shows the sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows the outside view of the in 1 shown device.

3 shows the sectional view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 schematically shows the external view of the in 3 process cartridge shown.

5 shows the right side of the in 3 process cartridge shown.

6 shows the left side of the in 3 process cartridge shown.

7 shows another exterior view of the in 3 process cartridge shown.

8th shows the bottom view of the in 3 process cartridge shown.

9 (a) shows the external view of the cleaning unit and 9 (b) the exterior view of the ent winding unit of the in 3 process cartridge shown.

10 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

11 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

12 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

13 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

14 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

15 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

16 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

17 shows the insertion and removal of the in 3 Process cartridge shown in or out of the main assembly of the image forming device.

18 shows a perspective view of the interior of the main unit assembly.

19 (a) shows a perspective view of the interior and 19 (b) an inside of the main unit assembly.

20 shows the contact between a contact element and a contact point.

21 shows the establishment of the electrical connection between the contact elements.

22 shows a side of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

23 (a) shows the outside view and 23 (b) the inside view of the developing device holder in perspective.

24 shows the sectional view II of the in 23 (b) shown developing device holder.

25 shows the toner detection contact of the in 23 shown developing device holder.

26 shows the development unit in perspective in an exploded view.

27 shows a perspective view of the developer frame referred to as the development frame.

28 shows a perspective view of the development unit without developing device holder.

29 shows the toner frame in perspective.

30 shows a perspective view of the toner frame after attaching the seal.

31 shows the longitudinal sectional view of the in 30 indicated seal.

32 shows the sectional view RO-RO of in 3 process cartridge shown.

33 shows the toner frame in an exploded view.

34 shows the bottom view of the process cartridge.

35 shows the side view of the in 28 indicated gear group.

36 shows the side view of the toner frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION DR PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. In this description, the width direction of the process cartridge B means the direction in which it goes into the main assembly 14 of the image-forming device (hereinafter referred to as the main device assembly) and is removed from it. This direction corresponds to the direction of transport of the recording medium. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B means the direction which is (substantially) perpendicular to the direction in which the process cartridge B into the main device assembly 14 inserted and removed from this. This direction intersects the transport direction of the recording medium (substantially) at right angles. 1 Figure 3 schematically shows an embodiment of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus (laser beam printer) in accordance with the present invention and 2 the outside view in perspective. The 3 - 8th show an embodiment of the process cartridge in accordance with the present invention. Of these figures shows 3 the sectional side view, 4 the external view in perspective, 5 the right side, 6 the left side, 7 in perspective the top view and 8th in perspective the bottom view of the process cartridge. In the following description, the upper side means the upward side and the lower side the downward side of the in the device main assembly 14 Process cartridge used.

[Electrophotographic Image forming apparatus A and process cartridge B]

In connection with the 1 and 2 describes an electrophotographic image forming apparatus serving as a laser beam printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 shows a side view of the process cartridge B.

With the in 1 The laser beam printer A shown is produced by an electrophotographic imaging process on a recording medium in the form of recording paper, an OHP sheet or tissue. First, a toner image is formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member serving as an image bearing member in the form of a drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum). More specifically, the photosensitive drum is loaded by a charger and then exposed by an optical device to a laser beam based on image data to form a latent image thereon. This latent image is developed into a toner image by the developing device. The cartridge is synchronized with the toner image generation 3a a sheet of the recording medium is removed and this from the pair of pickup rollers 3b and 3c , registration rollers arranged in pairs 3d and 3e and other elements composite transport device 3 pushed to the recording position. Then the transfer roller serving as the transfer device 4 supplied with a voltage and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge B onto the recording medium 2 transfer. The recording medium provided with the toner image becomes the fixing device 5 fed. From the fuser 5 which is a drive roller 5c and one with a heating element 5a provided fuser roller 5b the recording medium passing through it 2 applied with heat and pressure to fix the toner image transferred onto it. The recording medium provided with the fixed toner image is carried out by a group of discharge rollers arranged in pairs 3g . 3h and 3i through a sheet reversal channel 3y transported and finally on a shelf 6 pushed. Filing 6 is on top of the main assembly 14 of the image forming apparatus A is arranged. The device A also has a pivotable tongue 3k and discharge rollers arranged in pairs 3m on so that when the tongue is actuated 3k the recording medium 2 of the discharge rollers arranged in pairs 3m detected and without passing through the sheet reversal channel 3y is carried out directly. In this embodiment, the take-up roller forms 3b , the paired transport rollers 3c and 3d , the registration roller 3e who have favourited Transportation Guide 3f , the paired discharge rollers 3g . 3h and 3i and the paired discharge rollers 3m the transport device.

In the in the 3 - 8th Process cartridge B shown is the charging roller serving as a loading device 8th fed with a voltage and during the rotation of the photosensitive drum serving as the image carrier element 7 their with a photosensitive layer 7e ( 20 ) evenly charged surface. Then the optical system 1 a laser beam carrying the image data through the exposure opening 1e on the photosensitive drum 7 directed and thereby creates a latent image. The latent image is from the developing device 9 developed using toner.

The photosensitive drum 7 touches the charging roller 8th , sets it in rotation and is loaded by it. The developing device 9 leads the areas of the photosensitive drum to be developed 7 Toner and develops the latent image produced on it. The optical system 1 has a laser diode 1a , a polygon mirror 1b , a lens 1c and a total reflection mirror 1d on.

If that's in the developing device 9 arranged toner stirring element 9b is set in rotation, this stirs in the toner container 1A existing toner and transports a lot of it to the magnetized developing roller 9c , while during the rotation of the developing roller 9c one from the developing slat 9d triboelectrically charged toner layer is generated. From this toner layer, the area of the photosensitive drum to be developed is developed 7 Transfer toner. With the transfer of toner to the photosensitive drum 7 the latent image created on this is made visible. The developing slat 9d regulates the amount of the surface of the developing roller 9c applied toner. In addition to the developing roller 9c are also stirring elements 9e and 9f arranged to stir and circulate the toner.

After that, the transfer roller 4 fed with a voltage with a polarity opposite to that of the toner image while doing so on the photosensitive drum 7 existing toner image on the recording medium 2 transfer. After that, the cleaning device 10 the one on the photosensitive drum 7 remaining toner removed. The cleaning device 10 has a the photosensitive drum 7 touching elastic cleaning lamella 10a on. The one on the photosensitive drum 7 remaining toner is removed from the elastic cleaning lamella 10a scraped off and falls into the toner collection container 10b ,

The process cartridge B is composed of the following elements, the toner chamber 11 of the cartridge frame (hereinafter referred to as the toner chamber frame), which is part of the toner container 11A (Toner receiving section) forms and serves to store toner, the developing chamber 12 of the cartridge frame (hereinafter referred to as the developing chamber frame), in which the developing device in the form of the developing roller 9c is housed, and the cleaning device chamber 13 the cartridge frame (hereinafter Reini device frame) in which the photosensitive drum 7 , the cleaning device in the form of the cleaning lamella 10a who have favourited Charging Roller 8th and other parts are housed. The process cartridge B is exchangeable into the main assembly by the operator 14 of the device.

The process cartridge B is provided with two openings, the exposure opening 1e through which the light beam carrying the image data onto the photosensitive drum 7 is directed, and the transmission opening 13n through which the photosensitive drum 7 direct contact with the recording medium 2 Has. More specifically, the exposure aperture 1e is in the cleaning device chamber 13 and the transfer port 13n between the developing chamber 12 and the cleaning device chamber 13 available.

In the following, the structure of the housing becomes one embodiment the process cartridge B according to the present Invention described.

The process cartridge B according to the present invention is assembled in the manner described below. First, the toner chamber frame 11 and the developing chamber frame 12 connected with each other. After that, the cleaner frame 13 pivotally attached to the two assembled frames. This completes the cartridge housing. Then the photosensitive drum 7 who have favourited Charging Roller 8th who have favourited Developing Device 9 , the cleaning device 10 and other elements mounted in the housing. The process cartridge B is in the main unit of the device 14 arranged guide interchangeably used in this.

[Process cartridge housing construction B]

As already mentioned, the housing of the process cartridge B according to the present invention is made of the toner chamber frame 11 , the development framework 12 and the cleaner frame 13 composed.

As the 3 and 9 show, the toner chamber frame 11 the toner container 11A in which the toner stirring element 9b is arranged for stirring and supplying the toner. On the development chamber frame 12 are the developing roller 9c and the developing slat 9d attached and the developing roller 9c opposite the stirring elements 9e and 9f rotatably arranged to circulate the toner in the developing chamber. Immediately next to the developing roller 9c and essentially parallel to this is an antenna 9h arranged. The toner chamber frame 11 and the developing chamber frame 12 are joined together by fusion welding (in this embodiment by ultrasonic welding) to produce the developing unit D as an integral second frame element ( 9 (b) ).

The photosensitive drum 7 who have favourited Charging Roller 8th and the cleaning device 10 are attached to the cleaner frame 13 assembled. On the cleaner frame 13 also becomes a drum cover element 18 attached, which after removal of the process cartridge B from the main device assembly 14 the photosensitive drum 7 protects, and this unit forms the cleaning unit C as the first frame element ( 9 (a) ).

The developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are with the connecting element 22 pivotally connected to each other to complete the process cartridge B. How 9 shows, is on both ends (in the axial direction of the developing roller 9c ) the development chamber 12 one with a spigot 20 provided arm 19 arranged ( 9 (b) ). Each of the two cones 20 rests in each of the two ends of the cleaning device chamber 13 existing deepening 21 , which defines the positional relationship between the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C ( 9 (a) ). After inserting the cones 20 into the respective recess 21 becomes the connecting element 22 so on the cleaner chamber 13 attached that the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C around the pins 20 can be pivoted relative to each other. On the connecting element 22 is a compression spring 22a attached which the developing chamber frame 12 down and thus the developing roller 9c reliable against the photosensitive drum 7 suppressed. On each face of the developing roller 9c is a spacer ring 9i arranged, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the developing roller 9c , so that when pressing the spacer ring 9i to the photosensitive drum 7 between this and the developing roller 9c a certain distance (about 300 μm) is maintained. Due to the elastic force of the compression spring 22a can determine the positional relationship between the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 7 and the outer surface of the developing roller 9c be maintained exactly.

[Structure of the guide for the process cartridge B]

In connection with the 4 to 9 the guide, which the process cartridge B when inserted into the main unit assembly 14 and when removing from it leads, described in detail. 5 shows the right side and viewed in the direction of arrow X, ie in the cartridge insertion direction (from the developing unit D) 6 the left side of the process cartridge B.

As these figures show, is on each end of the housing 100 a guide arranged through which the process cartridge B when inserted into and removed from the main device assembly 14 to be led. This guide has a cylindrical pin 13a as the first guide element, a long part 12a as a second guide element and a short part 13b as the third guide element.

The cylindrical guide element 13a extends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7 from the face of the cleaner frame 13 , In this cylindrical guide element 13a is the axis 7a the photosensitive drum 7 rotatably mounted. The long guide 12a is on each end of the developing chamber frame 12 arranged and serves as a bridge between the developing chamber frame 12 and the cleaner frame 13 , The short guide element 13b is on each face of the cleaner frame 13 About the cylindrical guide element 13a arranged. More specifically, the long guide 12a is an integral part of the developing roller holder 40 and 41 ( 23 ), which will be discussed later. The cylindrical guide element 13a and the short guide element 13b are integral parts of the cleaning device frame 13 ,

The long guide 12a extends in the direction of insertion of the process cartridge B (arrow direction X) and is arranged essentially at the same angle at which the process cartridge B is used. The cylindrical guide element 13a lies in the cartridge insertion direction on the imaginary extension of the long guide element 12a while the short guide element 13b essentially parallel to the long guide element 12a extends. How 6 shows are the cylindrical guide member 13a , the second guide element 12a and the third guide element 13b also arranged on the front side, which of the in 10 shown opposite, and their configuration and location correspond to those in 5 shown. These three guide elements protrude from the outer surface of the cleaning device frame in substantially the same length 13 and that of the developing chamber frame 12 which are on the same level.

These elements are as follows described in more detail.

The cylindrical guide element 13a the first guide element is arranged on the front side C1 (right side 13c) and on the front side C2 (left side 13d) of the cleaning unit C, with the development unit D (in the cartridge insertion direction) on the axis of the photosensitive drum 7 seen the side C1 the right side 13c of the cleaning device frame 13 represents. When viewed in the same direction, the other side C2 is the left side of the cleaner frame 13 , A cylindrical guide element 13a extends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7 from the face 13c and the other from the face 13d of the cleaner frame 13 , The two cylindrical guide elements 13a also serve as a bearing for the drum axis 7a , In other words, the drum axis 7a is over the two cylindrical guide elements 13a on the guideway described later 16a led and finally in the respective specialization 16a5 fixed ( 10 - 17 ).

A long guide 12a the second guide element is arranged on the front side D1 (right side 12c) and the other on the front side D2 (left side 12d) of the developing unit D, with the side D1 as the right side 12c and the side D2 as viewed on the axis of the photosensitive drum left side 12d of the developing chamber frame 12 can be seen. The long guide element is seen in the cartridge insertion direction (arrow direction X) 12a behind the cylindrical guide element 13a arranged. More specifically, the long guide 12a is arranged in the area L, which consists of the imaginary extension running parallel to the direction of insertion and tangential to the periphery 111 respectively. 112 ( 5 ) results, and forms the bridge between the development chamber frame 12 and the cleaner frame 13 , with its front end 12a1 over the face of the cleaner frame 13 extends (by about 1 to 2 mm).

On the end faces 13c and 13d the cleaning unit C is above the cylindrical guide element 13a the short guide element serving as the third guide element 13b arranged. More precisely, the short guide element is seen in the cartridge insertion direction 13b essentially directly above the cylindrical guide element 13a arranged. In other words, the short guide 13b is in the area 15 arranged, which is essentially at right angles to the cartridge insertion direction (arrow direction X) over the periphery of the cylindrical guide element 13a lines drawn parallel to each other 113 and 114 results. The short guide element 13b extends essentially parallel to the long guide element 12a ,

Typical dimensions of the guide elements are shown in the following list. The tolerance ranges apply to this embodiment the process cartridge.

The diameter of the cylindrical guide element 13a is about 10.0 mm (tolerance range 7.5 to 10.0 mm); the long guide element 12a has a length of approximately 36.0 mm (tolerance range 15.0 to 41.0 mm) and a width of approximately 8.0 mm (tolerance range 1.5 to 10.0 mm), the short guide element 13b has a length of approximately 10.0 mm (tolerance range 3.0 to 17.0 mm) and a width of approximately 4.0 mm (tolerance range 1.5 to 7.0 mm). The distance between the periphery of the cylindrical guide member 13a and the front end 12a1 of the long guide element 12a is about 9.0 mm.

The distance between the periphery of the cylindrical guide member 13a and the bottom edge 13b1 of the short guide element 13b is approximately 7.5 mm (tolerance range 5.5 to 9.5 mm).

Below are the touch regulating section 13e and the touch release section 13f at the top 13d the cleaning unit C described. Top means the side of the cleaning unit C, which is directed upwards when the process cartridge B is inserted. In this embodiment, this is the area 13i the cleaning unit C.

The touch regulating section 13e and the touch release section 13f are at the right end 13c and at the left end 13d this area 13i available. The touch regulating section 13e fixes the position of the process cartridge B in the main unit assembly. More specifically, when the process cartridge B is inserted into the main unit assembly 14 comes the regulating section 13e with the one in the main unit assembly 14 arranged stop element 25 in touch ( 10 - 17 ), whereby the position of the process cartridge B is fixed. The touch release section 13f comes out when the process cartridge B is removed from the main unit assembly 14 to the effect. More specifically, when the process cartridge B is removed from the main unit assembly 14 comes the touch release section 13f with the stop element 25 in contact so that the torque generated thereby enables the process cartridge to be easily removed from the main device assembly.

Below are in connection with the 10 - 17 the individual steps when inserting and removing the process cartridge B are described.

Viewed in the cartridge insertion direction, there is a depression on both sides of the top of the cleaning unit C. 13g available. The deepening 13g has a plurality of surfaces, a first inclined surface which extends obliquely upward in the cartridge insertion direction (arrow direction X) from the front of the cartridge B 13g1 , one from the top edge 13g2 second sloping surface extending to the rear 13g3 and one from the bottom 13g4 the inclined surface 13g3 fourth sloping surface extending rearward 13g5 , From the bottom 13g6 the inclined surface 13g5 extends a wall (inclined surface) 13g7 yourself forward. The second sloping surface 13g3 corresponds to the touch regulating section 13e and the wall 13g7 the touch release section 13f ,

Below are the typical dimensions of the sections mentioned.

The touch regulating section 13e runs with respect to the horizontal X in the main device assembly 14 Process cartridge B used ( 5 ) at an angle of 0 degrees and has a length of about 6.0 mm (tolerance range 4.5 to 8.0 mm). The touch release section 13f is inclined with respect to the horizontal x by the angle θ1 (approximately 45 degrees) and has a length of approximately 10.0 mm (tolerance range 8.5 to 15.0 mm).

[Steps to insert and removing the process cartridge]

Below are in connection with the 10 - 19 Steps for inserting and removing process cartridge B in and out of the main device assembly 14 described.

The prerequisite is that the process cartridge B is constructed as described and in the in the main unit assembly 14 existing space can be used or removed from it.

When the operator enters the 18 and 19 indicated coverage 35 around the point 35a pivots upwards, the cartridge receiving space S is opened, so that the right and left guides 16 in the main unit assembly 14 become visible. Each of the two tours 16 has a first guide track 16a and a second track 16b on. The process cartridge B is between the guideways 16a and 16b inserted into the main unit assembly and then the cover 35 pivoted down to close the cartridge receiving space. The direction of insertion of the process cartridge B intersects the axis of the photosensitive drum 7 essentially rectangular, like that 10 - 17 demonstrate. The cleaning unit C forms the front section and the development unit D the rear section of the process cartridge B.

There is a recess on both sides of the process cartridge B. 17 available as a handle ( 3 ), which is grasped by the operator with both hands and which facilitates the insertion and removal of the process cartridge.

The process cartridge B has a drum cover 18 ( 3 ), which follows the movement of the process cartridge B when inserting and removing. When the process cartridge B is removed from the main assembly of the laser printer, the cover pivots back, closing the transfer opening and thus protecting the photosensitive drum 7 , How 6 shows is the cover 18 with one arm on both sides 18a and a link 18b coupled, which on the cleaning device frame 13 are pivotally attached, and is supported by these. How 6 also shows, when inserting the process cartridge B in the direction of arrow X into the main device assembly 14 the front end of the arm 18a attached lever 23 pressed against a stop arranged in the main unit assembly (not shown), thereby the lever 23 around the point 18c as a bearing for the locking arm 18a pivoted and the cover 18 moved to expose the transfer port. When removing process cartridge B from the main unit assembly 14 is by the force of the torsion spring 23a the cover 18 pivoted back.

The first guideway 16a forms the lower section of the guide 16 and serves as a support for the long guide element 12a and the cylindrical guide member 13a on the process cartridge B. The first guideway 16a is divided into several sections, one main section 16a1 , a graded section 16a2 , a deepening 16a3 , an auxiliary section 16a4 and a positioning recess 16a5 , which are arranged in the direction of insertion in the order mentioned. The main section 16a1 serves as a guide for the long guide element 12a and the cylindrical guide member 13a , About the auxiliary section 16a4 slides the cylindrical guide element 13a into the positioning recess 16a5 , If the cylindrical guide element 13a the reason of the positioning recess 16a5 has reached, the process cartridge B is in the main unit assembly 14 positioned. The second track forms the upper section of the guide 16 and has an inclined surface 16b1 as well as a return 16b2 on, which are arranged in the direction of insertion in the order mentioned.

In the cartridge receiving room 5 the main unit assembly 14 is on a strut arranged in this 27 a stop on the right and left 25 (to regulate the pivoting movement of the process cartridge B) attached. The touch regulating portion provided on the process cartridge B. 13e comes with the stop 25 in contact, which regulates the pivoting movement of the process cartridge B ( 15 ). More specifically, with the sliding of the cylindrical guide member 13a into the positioning recess 16a5 and applying the touch regulating section 13e against the attack 25 the process cartridge B is exactly in the main unit assembly 14 positioned. When removing process cartridge B from the main unit assembly 14 sets the touch release section 13f against the attack 25 and facilitates the removal process.

In the cartridge receiving space S there is a pressure element on the right and left side 26 arranged ( 10 - 19 ). The pressure element 26 is from the compression spring 26a clockwise around the point 26b pivoted and pressed against the process cartridge B to prevent the transmission of a vibration occurring on the device A to the process cartridge.

Below, in conjunction with the corresponding drawings, is the relationship between that in the main unit assembly 14 arranged leadership 16 and the guide elements present on the process cartridge B. 12a . 13a and 13b described when inserting and removing the process cartridge. The 10 - 15 show schematically the individual steps when inserting the process cartridge B until the moment of the final positioning in the main unit assembly 14 , In the 10 and 15 is the entire side view of the process cartridge 8th by a solid line in the main unit assembly 14 arranged guide marked by a colon chain line (imaginary line). In the 11 - 14 , which show intermediate insertion steps, only the guide elements present on the process cartridge B are identified by the continuous line, the other sections by the colon chain line.

How 10 shows, the process cartridge B is detected by the operator and thus in the main device assembly 14 pushed that the cylindrical guide element 13a and the long guide element 12a on the process cartridge on the guideway 16a slide. In this condition the short guide element 13b the distance E to the guideway 16b (2.0 to 4.0 mm in this embodiment).

In this state, the pressure element follows 26 the inclined surface 13i on the process cartridge B and does not interfere with the insertion process. Even when the process cartridge B is inserted further, the sliding contact between the pressing element remains 26 and the top of the cartridge so that the upward movement of the cartridge is controlled. As long as the process cartridge B remains in the device A, the pressure element 26 pressed against the top of the cartridge.

If the process cartridge B the in 11 reached position shown, is the cylindrical guide member 13a the graded section 16b2 the first guideway 16a to get into the recess 16a3 to slide. When the process cartridge B has reached a certain point ( 15 ) is the long lead 12a yourself in the deepening 16a3 leading to the guideway 16a has a distance M (about 4.0 to 8.0 mm in this embodiment) and is greater than E (E <M). The short guide element also rests in this state 13b not yet on the second track 16b (surface inclined upwards 16b1 ).

Only when the process cartridge B the in 12 reached position shown, comes the short guide element 13b with the track 16b in contact, ie before the cylindrical guide element 13a the process cartridge B the bottom of the recess 16a3 touched.

In other words, the long and short guide elements serve in this state 12a respectively. 13b as an insertion guide, whereby the impact load possibly acting from the stepped section on the process cartridge B is reduced.

When the in 13 shown state is the rear end of the long guide element 12a the process cartridge B on the edge of the recess 16a3 the first guideway 16a while the cylindrical guide member 13a the auxiliary section 16a4 touched and will pass on this. From here, the cylindrical guide element slides 13a on the first track 16a and the short guide element 13b on the second track 16b , how 14 shows.

When the in 14 shown state is the short guide element 13b yourself over the depression 16b2 the second guideway 16b , The moment the short guide element 13b into the recess 16b2 only has the cylindrical guide element 13a Contact to the main device assembly 14 on the auxiliary section 16a4 ; this causes the process cartridge B to pivot somewhat counterclockwise, so that the cylindrical guide element 13a into the positioning recess 16a5 slides ( 15 ). Almost at the same time comes the on the cleaning device frame 13 existing touch regulation section 13c with the swivel regulating section 25a in the main unit assembly 14 attached stop 25 in touch ( 15 ). The process cartridge B is now completely in the main device assembly 14 positioned and aligned. In this state, the position of the process cartridge B in the main unit assembly 14 only from the cylindrical guide element 13a fixed because the other guide elements (the long and the short guide element 12a respectively. 13b ) no contact with other sections of the in the main unit assembly 14 available guidance 16 to have; that is, the position of the process cartridge B is fixed exactly.

The positional relationship between the touch regulating section 13e and the swivel regulating section 25a , which will be discussed in detail later, results from the fact that the torque generated when operating the process cartridge B from the touch regulating section 13e and from the swivel regulating section 25a is recorded. The distance from the touch point between the touch regulating portion 13e and the swivel regulating section 25a to the center of the cylindrical guide element 13a is greater than the distance between the long guide element 12a and the center of the cylindrical guide member 13a and the distance between the short guide element 13b and the center of the cylindrical guide member 13a , This means that when the process cartridge B is operated, its orientation is more stable.

At the in 15 shown condition engages at one end of the photosensitive drum 7 attached helical tooth spur gear 7b into that in the main bone assembly 14 arranged driven helical tooth spur gear 28 , When transferring the driving force from the gear 28 on the gear 7b Process cartridge B is subject to a clockwise force ( 17 ). However, the moment generated by this force and acting on the process cartridge B is from the touch regulating section 13e added.

The pressure element 26 presses the process cartridge B down. If the cylindrical guide element 13a not into the deepening by itself 16a5 on the main unit assembly 14 slides, that of around the point of contact between the pivot regulating section 25a and the touch regulating section 13e generated moment.

Below are in connection with the 16 and 17 the steps for removing the process cartridge B from the main unit assembly 14 described. The direction in which the process cartridge is removed is indicated by the arrow Y.

To remove the process cartridge B from the main unit assembly 14 this is by the operator on the handle created by recesses 17 detected and counterclockwise in the direction of arrow a around the cylindrical guide element 13a pivoted. Here comes the touch release section 13f the process cartridge B with the touch release portion 25b of the fixed stop 25 in the main unit assembly 14 in touch. When the process cartridge B is raised further, it is moved around the contact point F between the two contact release sections 13f and 25a pivoted, causing the cylindrical guide member 13a from the deepening 16a5 slides. The meshing between the drum gear 7b and the drive gear 28 separated easily. In this state, the process cartridge B according to the in the 14 . 13 . 12 . 11 . 10 shown steps, that is, in reverse order just pulled from device A.

As already described, extends in this embodiment the long guide element as a second guide element in the cartridge insertion direction and bridges between the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C there is a flutter of the process cartridge B prevents insertion and removal, the insertion more reliable and the operational flow more efficient.

Those for inserting and removing the process cartridge B in or out of the main device assembly 14 the serving guide consists of the cylindrical guide element 13a , the long guide element 12a and the short guide element 13b together, wherein at least two of these guide elements come into effect during the insertion and removal of the process cartridge B; even if that in the main unit assembly 14 Existing guideways have steps, this arrangement reduces the impact possibly acting on the process cartridge B.

The position of the process cartridge B being operated is determined by the pivot regulating section which regulates the generated torque 25a and the cylindrical guide member 13a fixed while the other two guide elements (the short and the long guide element 13b respectively. 12a ) the guideways in the main device assembly 14 do not touch; this results in a more stable orientation of the process cartridge B when the image-forming device is operated (during image generation).

The guide used in the described embodiment for inserting and removing the process cartridge B is, for example, from three different positions arranged guide elements assembled. However, this arrangement is not a restriction, because a guide can also be used which has at least the cylindrical guide element as the first guide element and the long guide element as the second guide element or, in addition to the three guide elements mentioned, a further or further guide elements. Such an arrangement can also ensure stable insertion and removal of the process cartridge B and contribute to an improvement in operating efficiency.

As the 9 (a) and 9 (b) show is at one end of the photosensitive drum 7 the drum gear 7b and at the other end a straight tooth spur gear 7n attached. When inserting process cartridge B into the main unit assembly 14 grips the straight tooth spur gear 7n in one on the axis of the transfer roller 4 attached gear (not shown) and transmits the driving force from the process cartridge B to the transfer roller 4 ,

The reference number 9u indicates that at one end of the developing roller 9c attached helical tooth spur gear. This gear meshes with the gear 7b , so that the developing roller via this connection 9c is set in rotation.

[Toner container frame (Toner Container)]

In connection with the 3 . 29 . 30 . 32 and 33 the toner container frame (toner container) is described in detail. Of the figures mentioned shows 29 the toner container in perspective before welding the seal, 30 the toner container in perspective after the filling of toner, 32 the top view of the top frame 11a and 33 in a perspective view the toner container in the disassembled state.

The toner container frame 11 is from the top frame 11a (first frame) and the subframe 11b (second frame) composed. Both ends of the upper frame 11a are with a deepening 17 Mistake. As already described, this recess serves as a handle. The subframe 11b is with several ribs 11c Mistake. These ribs are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B at intervals of approximately 5 mm parallel to one another on the section which, when the process cartridge B is assembled, forms the bottom thereof. The operator grips the depression with both hands 17 and the ribs 11c , Ribs 11c should provide a firm grip on the hands. The top frame 11a and the subframe 11b are welded together on the welding surface U, the welding rib being melted off by vibration welding. The welding of the two frames to one another is not limited to vibration welding. The assembly can also be done by thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, another welding process or simply by gluing. Before putting the top frame together 11a and the subframe 11b becomes the stirring element 9b in the top frame 11a used and the coupling element 11e into the existing hole 11e1 pushed while doing so with the stirring element 9b coupled ( 29 ). The hole 11e1 is on the front of the upper frame 11a at which the toner filling opening 11d located. The diameter of the toner fill opening 11d is about 30 mm. In other words, the hole 11e1 and the toner fill port 11d are right next to each other. The toner frame 11 is also with an opening 11i for feeding toner from it into the developing frame 12 provided, over which a seal described later is welded. After welding the gasket through the toner filler opening 11d Filled toner and this opening with a cap 11f sealed, whereby the toner unit J is completed. The cap 11f is made of a soft material such as polyethylene or polypropylene and is firmly inserted into the toner filler opening 11d on the dead frame 11 pressed. Thereafter, as described later, the toner unit J is ultrasonically welded to the developing frame 12 connected and thus forms part of the development unit D. However, the assembly is not limited to ultrasonic welding, but can be done by snapping in, for which the elasticity of the materials used for the parts is used.

How 3 shows, the surface K, which forms part of the subframe bottom, must be inclined accordingly, so that toner can slip naturally and steadily when toner is consumed. More precisely, with the main unit assembly leveled 14 The surface K of the process cartridge B must be inclined at a certain angle θ to the horizontal Z. The angle θ should be about 60 degrees. The rotating stirring element 9b extends beyond the plane of the inclined surface K. To between the stirring element 9b and the bottom of the subframe 11b To create enough play is the latter with an outward curvature 11g Mistake. The rotating diameter of the stirring element 9b is about 30 mm. (In this embodiment, it has on the subframe 11b existing curvature a depth of about 3.6 mm, but may only be a minimum of 2.0 mm and a maximum of 10 mm). The reason for such an embodiment is to be found in the fact that in the case of arranging the stirring element 9b above the inclined surface K between the tip of the toner supply member (toner stirring member) 9b and the inclined surface K does not deposit toner in the developing frame 12 arrives and remains unused. However, an arrangement as in this embodiment enables reliable supply of toner from the toner frame 11 in the development framework 12 ,

How 29 shows is the stirring element 9b formed from a bar about 3 mm in diameter from steel or a similar material as a rectangle to improve the toner stirring / feeding efficiency. Both end faces of the stirring element 9b are with a support pin 9b1 Mistake. The one support pin 9b1 is in the top frame 11a near the opening 11i existing hole 11r stored, the other with the coupling element 11e connected.

As already described, the dead frame is 11 from the top frame 11a and the subframe 11b composed, the bottom of the subframe 11b with a bulge 11g for the rotating stirring element 9b is provided, thereby making it possible to provide a large-capacity process cartridge with reliable toner supply performance without increasing the cost.

The content of the previous description can be summarized as follows:
The toner frame (toner container) 11 is part of an exchangeable process cartridge for an electrophotographic image-forming device which contains an electrophotographic, light-sensitive element ( 7 . 7e ) and a developing device 9 for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. This container, in which the for developing the latent image with the developing device 9 used toner is stored, has the upper frame 11a and the subframe connected to it 11b on. The top frame 11a is with the opening 11i for feeding stored toner to the developing device 9 and a depository 9b1 ( 29 ) for the stirring element used to stir the stored toner 9b Mistake. The subframe 11b shows the outer curvature 11g as a wiping surface for the stirring element 9b on. The top frame 11a is also provided with the welding surface (connection surface) U to which the subframe is welded ( 29 . 33 and 36 ). The angle of inclination of the welding surface, ie the angle between the welding surface and the horizontal 12 with the shorter edge of the rectangular opening in a vertical position 11i ( 29 ) is about 20 to 40 degrees. The top frame 11a is with an opening (transmission opening) 11e1 provided by which the coupling element 11e (Transmission element) for transmission of the driving force from the device main assembly to the stirring element 9b the process cartridge inserted into the image forming apparatus is inserted. One side of the dome 11e is with the stirring element 9b , the other with the toner supply gear 9s coupled to absorb the driving force. The stirring element is formed from a metal rod into a rectangular frame. The top frame 11a is also with the toner fill opening 11d provided, which is next to the hole 11e1 located ( 29 ). The toner fill port is with the cap 11f tightly closed. The top frame 11a is also parallel to the plane of the opening 11i extending groove 11n Mistake. This groove 11n is used to attach the with the developing roller 9c populated development frame 12 , On the top frame 11a also become a cover film 51 to seal the opening 11i and a tear-off tape 52 to expose the opening 11i attached. A cover film plate 53 also extends parallel to the plane of the opening 11i , The top frame 11a is also with a handle (a recess) 17 provided for grasping the process cartridge. The outer curvature 11g of the subframe 11b the shape has an eccentrically divided cylinder. This curvature runs close to the opening 11i essentially over their entire length in the longitudinal direction of the subframe 11b , The top frame 11a also has an inclined surface L. The slope of this surface, ie the angle between it and the vertically oriented short edge of the opening 11i is about 10 to 40 degrees ( 36 ). The inclined surface L is above the opening 11i arranged and extends parallel to this and substantially over its entire length.

The toner frame (toner container) 11 is assembled as described below. The first one is the one with the opening 11i for feeding stored toner to the developing device 9 and the attachment 9b1 for storing the stirring element 9b provided upper frame 11a prepared. Then the one with the outer curvature 11g as a wiping area for the stirring element 9b provided subframe 11b prepared. Finally, the two frames 11a and 11b to the toner frame (toner container) 11 together.

It can be assumed that the one in the toner frame 11 stored toner suddenly moves due to vibrations, shocks or other loads during the transport of the process cartridge B from the manufacturer to the consumer.

To prevent this, are in the top frame 11a of the toner frame 11 several partition plates 11p arranged.

These partition plates 11p are in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 11a arranged ( 3 . 32 and 33 ). In this embodiment there are three partition plates 11p arranged in different places. The partition plates 11p are configured so that they are on the toner supply member 9b directed edge 11p1 essentially forms a quarter circle surrounding this and that between the edge 11p2 and the subframe 11b a gap remains. In the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 11a the edge is seen 11p1 positioned so that the partition plate 11p the toner fill port 11d partially covered.

To move the toner in the toner container 11A to prevent the partition plate 11p be dimensioned as large as possible. When filling the toner, the toner filler opening 11d but facing upwards, the partition plate is located 11p itself right below this, and once the partition plate 11p the toner fill port 11d completeness, dig covered, hardly any toner can reach the deepest point of the toner container 11A reach. Therefore, the partition plate 11p be configured as in this embodiment so as not to impede the filling of toner and to allow toner to run to the lowest point through the gap formed thereby. The partition plate 11p but reduces the perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner frame 11 resulting cross section quite significantly, but can prevent displacement and clumping of the toner in vibration and shock loading or other loading of the process cartridge B.

[Configuration of the on the frame section directed to the development frame]

As the 2 . 29 and 31 show is the opening 11i for supplying toner from the toner frame 11 in the development framework 12 at the interface between the two frames. The area around this opening is a depression 11k to which the cover film plate 53 is thermally welded. The deepening 11k is dimensioned so that after the cover plate is welded on 53 to their outer surface and the surface 11j of the toner frame 11 (Top frame 11a ) are essentially on the same level. Along one long side of the opening 11i are in the deepening 11k several dowels on a straight line 11m ( 5 in this embodiment) and on the surface 11j along one of the short sides of the opening 11i but not in the deepening 11k , two dowels 11o attached. Along the two outer longitudinal edges of the surface 11j extend the two grooves already mentioned 11n parallel to each other. The floor area 11n2 the groove 11n is higher than the area 11j (i.e. closer than this to the development frame 12 , please refer 31 ).

The one with the toner frame 11 directly contacting surface of the development frame 12 is the area 12u , Along the two long sides of this surface 12u extends into the groove 11n of the toner frame 11 matching profile 12v , At the front of this profile is a tapered bead 12v1 available 31 ), which is melted off by ultrasonic welding and thereby the toner frame 11 with the development frame 12 combines.

How 30 shows is the loose in the recess 11k on the toner frame 11 used cover film plate 53 with holes 53c for the dowels 11m Mistake. The left and right holes, which with 53c1 are marked, have a round cross-section in which the respective dowel 11m1 fits exactly while the other holes 53c have an elongated shape and therefore easily over the dowels 11m can be pushed. More specifically, the holes 53c1 and the dowels 11ms match each other exactly while the other elongated holes 53c the dowels 11m record in the middle. The cover film plate 53 is with an opening 53b provided which of the opening 11i approximately corresponds in size. To seal this opening 53b is on the cover plate 53 along the four surfaces surrounding the opening into a film which is easily tearable in the longitudinal direction 51 glued. On the cover film 51 becomes the tear-off tape 52 to expose the opening 53b welded. The tear tape 52 is longitudinal from one end of the hole 53b led to the other, folded there and over the front end of the toner frame 11 returned so that when you assemble the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 the front end of the tear tape 52 from that on this side of the development framework 12 on the surface 12u glued elastic seal 54 in the form of a felt strip ( 27 ) against the toner frame 11 is pressed. The folded end of the tear tape 52 also protrudes from the junction between the two frames ( 6 and 30 ) and is from one at this end to the frame 12 on the surface 12u glued elastic seal 56 ( 27 ) against the toner frame 11 pressed. On the inward face of the seal 54 becomes a streak 55 glued from a synthetic resin film with low coefficient of friction.

To align the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 The area is to facilitate the joining of the two 11j of the toner frame 11 with a round hole 11r and a square hole 11q provided, while on the development frame a cylindrical dowel 12w1 and a square dowel 12w2 be attached. The cylindrical dowel 12w1 fits exactly into the round hole 11r while the square dowel 12w2 loose in the square hole 11q sitting. The one on the flat surface 12u glued seal 56 surrounds the cylindrical dowel 12w1 , The one with the toner frame 11 directly touching surface 12u of the development framework 12 is with recesses 12y into which the on the toner frame 11 attached dowels 11m and 11o fit easily.

Before assembling the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 assembled as separate components. The cylindrical positioning dowel is used to join the two pre-assembled frames 12w1 and the square dowel 12w2 on the development frame 12 in the round hole 11r or square hole 11q on the toner frame 11 pushed. The profile glides 12v on the development frame 12 in the groove 11n on the toner frame 11 , In this state, the toner frame will be 11 and the development framework 12 against each other and the seals 54 and 56 pressed together until the spacers present on both end portions of the developing frame as integral parts of the same 12z touch the toner frame. The spacers 12z on the development frame 12 are arranged at a certain distance from one another in the width direction around the tear-off tape 52 to be able to pull through.

While pressing the two frames against each other, the connection point between the profile 12v and the groove 11n Ultrasonic vibrations applied so that the edge due to the resulting frictional heat 12v1 with the bottom of the groove 11n is merged. Lay the edges 11n1 the one in the toner frame 11 existing grooves 11n against the development frame 12 existing spacers 12z , creating the entire interface between the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 is sealed, except that between the surface 11j of the toner frame 11 and the flat surface 12u on the development frame 12 formed gap. The cover film 51 and the tear tape 52 are housed in this gap.

Around that in the toner frame 11 stored toner in the development frame 12 to bring, the operator only has to protrude from the process cartridge B end 52a of the tear tape 52 ( 6 ) capture and pull on it so that the cover film 51 tears off and the opening 53b ( 11i ) releases.

Because the connecting section of the toner frame 11 and that of the development framework 12 are constructed as described, ie the surface of the cover film plate 53 and the area 11j of the toner frame 11 lie essentially on the same level, only little pulling force has to be exerted on the tear strip 52 be applied to this from the tiny gap between the two frames 11 and 12 to pull and the cover film 51 demolish as mentioned. The cover film plate 53 is on the side where the tear-off tape is pulled out 52 from process cartridge B, through the dowel 11m1 fixed and also from the recess 11k of the toner frame 11 recorded and cannot be moved. The dowels 11m are in the longitudinal direction of the toner frame 11 arranged on a straight line and serve as receiving elements for the cover film plate 53 so that the easily deformable cover film 51 can be positioned exactly and remains smooth. Also in the following steps before stabilizing the welded connection between the cover film plate 53 and the toner frame 11 the latter is not postponed.

When assembling the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 Ultrasonic welding generates frictional heat and thereby the tapered bead 12v1 melted. However, the frictional heat causes thermal tensions in the toner frame 11 and in the development framework 12 , which could lead to their deformation. In this embodiment, however, this takes hold of the development frame 12 existing profile 12v essentially over the entire frame length in the on the developing frame 11 existing groove 11n , In other words, this arrangement makes the connection between the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 reinforced, so that thermal deformation of the frame due to thermal stress can hardly occur.

As already described, the grooves are 11n , the handles (recesses) 17 who have favourited Divider Plates 11p , the toner fill port 11d who have favourited Bore 11e1 who have favourited Round Hole 11r who have favourited Square Hole 11p and the assembly unit of the cover film plate (the recess 11k who have favourited Dowels 11m and the opening 11i ) of the upper frame 11a integral parts or openings of the same. Ribs 11c and the bulge 11g are integral parts of the subframe 11b , The top frame 11a and the subframe 11b are made of plastic such as polyethylene, ABS synthetic resin (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), polycarbonate, polyethylene and polypropylene.

36 shows the side view of the toner frame used in this embodiment 11 as a sectional view; the area connected to the development frame 11j of the dead frame 11 is aligned vertically.

The toner frame used in this embodiment 11 is provided with two inclined surfaces, the surface K and the surface L, on which the in the toner storage 11A stored toner (one-component toner) effectively for opening 11i can slip. These two inclined surfaces K and L extend the entire length of the toner frame 11 , The inclined surface L is above the opening 11i , the inclined surface K immediately behind it (and is in the width direction of the toner frame 11 inclined). The inclined surface L belongs to the upper frame 11a , while the inclined surface K is part of the construction of the subframe 11b represents. The angle θ2 of the inclined surface L to the vertical line 11 (Connecting surface 11j ) is about 10 to 40 degrees (24 degrees in this embodiment). The angle θ3 of the inclined surface K to that perpendicular to the vertical line 11 horizontal lines 12 is about 20 to 40 degrees (about 27 degrees in this embodiment). In other words, in this embodiment, the top frame is 11a configured so that when the top frame is assembled 11a and subframe 11b the connection surface of the subframe 11b is inclined at this angle. Even in the case that in the toner storage section 11A If a large amount of toner (e.g. not less than 800 g) is stored, it can effectively move towards the opening 11i be transported.

Below is the development framework described in more detail.

[Developing frame]

The development framework is described in conjunction with the 3 . 26 . 27 and 28 , 26 shows the development frame 12 in perspective in an exploded view to explain the assembly, 27 the development framework 12 in perspective with the two toner stirring elements used 9e and 9f on the welding surface che seen and 28 the development unit in perspective without the development frame holder.

As already described, the developing roller is in the developing frame 9c , the developing slat 9d who have favourited Toner Stirring Elements 9e and 9f and the antenna 9h housed to record the amount of toner remaining.

The developing slat 9d has a 1–2 mm thick metal plate 9d1 and one on the metal plate 9d1 by welding, with a double-sided adhesive tape or otherwise attached Uräthangum rubber lamella 9d2 on. The developing lamella regulates the amount of the on the outer surface of the developing roller 9c applied toner. The area serving as the slat receiving surface 12i of the development framework 12 has a straightness of about 0.05 mm. This area 12i is with dowels 12i1 and threaded holes 12i2 Mistake. The dowels 12i1 serve to accommodate the on the metal plate 9d1 existing holes 9d3 , The metal plate 9d1 is going to surface 12i screwed for what the existing holes on this 9d4 and those on the development frame 12 existing threaded holes 12i2 be used. On the development frame 12 becomes an elastic seal made of MOLTA-PLANE or a similar material 12s glued to prevent toner from entering. This seal is over the metal plate 9d1 arranged and extends in the longitudinal direction. On the two the contour of the developing roller 9c following round surfaces 12j becomes one the respective end of the seal 12s covering elastic seal 12s1 glued. At the jaw-like section 12h becomes the surface line of the developing roller 9c touching thin elastic seal 12s2 glued.

The face 9d1a the developing slat 9d is angled about 90 degrees and touches the developing device holder described later 40 arranged development voltage contact ( 23 (a) and 23 (b) ) to the tension on the metal mat 9d1 and the developing roller 9c derive. This arrangement was chosen because of the amount of toner based on the change in capacitance between the antenna 9h to detect the amount of toner remaining and the developing roller 9c is determined and must be prevented that the capacitive resistance by the influence of the metal plate 9d1 changes irregularly.

The developing roller unit G is described below. The developing roller unit G has several elements, ( 1 ) the developing roller 9c , ( 2 ) the spacer roller 9i to maintain a constant distance between the periphery of the developing roller 9c and the periphery of the photosensitive drum 7 , ( 3 ) the developing roller bearing 9j for attaching the developing roller 9c on the frame 12 , ( 4 ) on both ends of the developing roller 9c pushed cover sleeve 9o which prevents the leakage of toner from the gap between the cylindrical aluminum shell of the photosensitive drum 7 and the cylindrical aluminum jacket of the developing roller 9 prevents ( 5 ) the developing roller gear 9k (Helical-tooth spur gear) to transmit the driving force and thus the rotation of that on the photosensitive drum 7 attached helical tooth spur gear 7b on the developing roller 9c and ( 6 ) next to the helical gear 9k arranged, serving as a connection contact compression spring 91 and ( 7 ) in the developing roller 9c arranged magnet 9g for attracting toner on the periphery thereof. The developing unit G is in the manner described below on the developing roller holder 12X of the development framework 12 attached. First, the one on each developing roller bearing 9j existing hole 9j1 to the one on the respective end face of the development frame 12 existing hole 12p aligned to the developer device holder described later 40 to be able to insert existing pins into these. Then the developer holder 40 attached to the developing frame with screws.

As already described, in this embodiment, the developing roller unit G is assembled first. Thereafter, the assembled developing roller unit G with the developing device holder 40 on the development frame 12 attached. This mounting method is compared to the direct attachment of the developing roller 9c on the development frame 12 improves assembly efficiency.

The development roller unit G is assembled in the manner described below. First on each end of the developing roller 9c the cover sleeve 9o , then the spacer roller 9i and finally the developing roller bearing 9j pushed. Then at one end of the developing roller 9c the developing roller wheel 9k attached and the spring serving as a contact 91 placed. In this state protrudes from the developing roller gear 9k equipped end of the developing roller 9c the cone 9g1 with D-shaped cross-section and from the other end the cylindrical pin of the magnet 9g , The developing roller unit G is now complete.

Below is the antenna 9h described for recording the residual toner quantity. One end of the antenna 9h is configured in a U-shape. That U-shaped end 9h1 the antenna touches the developing device holder described later 40 arranged residual toner detection contact 122 and makes the electrical connection to it. To attach the antenna 9h on the development frame 12 will be the end section first 9h3 through the on the front side panel 12A of the development framework 12 existing hole 12b and then through the one on the back side panel 12A existing hole 12k pushed, causing the antenna 9h in the development framework 12 is stored. In other words, the holes 12b and 12k form the bearings for the antenna 9h , The through hole 12b is with a sealing element (not shown) made of felt, sponge or egg a similar material to prevent the ingress of toner.

The summit 9h2 of the U-shaped end 9h1 is in on the development framework 12 existing, about 5 mm deep hole 12o pushed to the antenna 9h to fix in the axial direction. This arrangement increases the rigidity of the U-shaped section 9h1 as a connection contact to the residual toner detection contact described later 122 improved. The through hole 12k after inserting the antenna section 9h3 thermally welded from the outside to prevent the ingress of toner. Below are the toner stirring elements 9e and 9f described. The toner stirring elements used to stir the toner 9e and 9f have the shape of a crankshaft. These two stirring elements are close to the developing roller 9c and the antenna 9h arranged and extend across the transport path of the toner from the toner container 11A to the developing roller 9c , These two stirring elements 9e and 9f are fixed at right angles to each other. For mounting the stirring elements 9e and 9f on the development frame 12 become their end 9e3 respectively. 9f3 first through the one in the front side panel 12A of the development framework 12 existing hole 12t respectively. 12r and then through the one in the back side panel 12A of the development framework 12 existing hole 12m respectively. 12n pushed. Then the holes 12m and 12n in the same way as the hole 12k for the antenna 9h thermally welded from the outside. After inserting the stirring elements 9e and 9f in the development framework 12 gets into the hole 12t the stirring gear 9n and into the hole 12r the stirring gear 9m used. The crank arm slides 9e2 the stirring element 9e and the crank arm 9f2 of the stirring element 9f axially in the end of the gears 9n and 9m existing slot 9N1 respectively. 9m1 and the trunnions 9e1 and 9f1 in the behind the slots 9N1 and 9m1 introduced center bores (not shown), making the stirring elements 9e and 9f are stored in the development frame.

When assembling the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 overlaps the side plate 12A of the development framework 12 from which the antenna 9h and the stirring elements 9e and 9f be introduced, the side plate of the upper frame 11a in which the cap 11f was used. In this side plate 12A is also the hole 12x available, which as a bearing for the toner supply gear 9s ( 28 ) for transferring the driving force to the toner supply element 9b serves. The toner supply gear 9s is with that in the top frame 11a rotatably mounted and one end of the toner supply element 9b receiving dome element 11e ( 19 and 30 ) for transferring the driving force to the toner supply element 9b connected.

Below is the transfer described the driving force.

As the 28 and 35 show, the drive force is transmitted from the developing roller gear 9k on the gears 9m and 9n the stirring elements and the toner supply gear 9s , More specifically, the developing roller gear 9k reaches into the big gear 9Q3 of the stepped intermediate gear 9q and drives this. Because the little gear 9q1 of the stepped intermediate gear 9q into the stirring gear 9m engages, the stirring element 9e is set in rotation. Because the middle gear 9Q2 of the graduated gear 9q in the intermediate wheel 9r and the gear attached to it 9r1 into the toner supply gear 9s engages, this becomes and thus the toner supply element 9b (through the coupling element 11e ) set in rotation. From the toner supply gear 9s is over the idler gear 9t the driving force on the stirring gear 9n transferred and thus the toner stirring element 9f set in rotation. It should be noted that the intermediate gears 9q . 9r and 9t on the corresponding spigot 12e . 12f respectively. 12g as integral parts of the development framework 12 are rotatably mounted. These pins have a diameter of about 2 mm to 3 mm and are in the development frame holder described later 40 stored so that they can not be deformed. The cones 12e . 12f and 12g are graduated or reinforced at the base to increase their rigidity.

The gear group described is arranged on the side on which the U-shaped section 9h1 the antenna 9h located.

With this arrangement, all the gears belonging to this gear group can be accommodated in a single component (in the developing frame holder in this embodiment), in which the electrical connection to the residual toner detection contact is also established. In addition, the stirring elements 9e and 9f , the antenna 9h , the gears belonging to the gear group 9o . 9r . 9s and 9t and the circulation gears 9m and 9n can be assembled from the same end of the development frame, which significantly improves assembly efficiency.

The comb-shaped section 12h of the development framework 12 also serves as a transport guide for the recording medium 2 in the form of recording paper. To the rigidity of the development frame 12 to increase, this can be produced by the core blowing process.

In 27 indicates the reference symbol 12P one in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 12 extending opening. When assembling the toner frame 11 and the development framework 12 is the opening 12P to the one on the toner frame 11 existing opening 11i aligned and enables the delivery of the developing roller 9c with toner from the toner frame 11 , The stirring elements 9e and 9f and the antenna 9h extend the entire length of this opening 12P ,

In this embodiment, the developer roller bearings 12X , the side plate 12A , the Developing lamella fastening section (flat surface 12i ), the antenna mounting (holes 12b . 12k and 12o ), the stirring element mounting (holes 12t . 12r . 12m and 12n ), the gear bearing (pin 12e . 12f and 12g ) and other elements are integral parts of the development framework. The development framework 12 and the toner frame are made of the same material.

[developing frame 40 ]

In connection with the 4 - 9 and 23 - 25 the developing frame holder 40 described in detail. Of these figures shows 23 (a) the external view of the development frame holder shown in perspective, 23 (b) the inside view of the same development frame holder shown in perspective, 24 enlarges the sectional view II ( 23b ) this development frame holder and 25 enlarges the residual toner detection contact in a perspective view.

With attaching the development frame holder 40 and 41 on the corresponding side of the development frame assembly in the in 28 shown state, the development unit D is complete. The developing roller unit G is assembled in the manner described below. First, one of the two will be at different locations on the development frame holder 40 arranged pins 40d into the corresponding hole 9j1 in the developing roller bearing and the other in the on the developing frame 12 existing hole 12p introduced. Then, through the on the frame holder 40 and 41 existing holes 401 as well as those on the developing roller bearing 9j existing holes 9j1 Screws inserted and in the on the development frame 12 existing threaded holes screwed to attach the holder and bearings on this. When putting on the development frame holder 40 and 41 the on the frame holder 40 existing D-shaped bore 40e about the end 9g1 of the in the developing roller 9c arranged magnets 9g ( 3 and 28 ) and those on the development frame holder 41 existing hole (not shown) over the end 9g2 of the magnet 9g pushed and thereby the position of the magnet 9g fixed in the longitudinal direction. The magnetic pole angle of the magnet 9g are from that in the D-shaped hole 40e of the development frame holder 40 stored D-shaped end 9g1 certainly. Then the from the development frame holder 40 and 41 projecting, integral components of the same pivot pin 20 into the recesses on the cleaning frame 21 ( 9b ) placed and with the connecting element 22 ( 7 ) covered, making the developing unit D pivotable in the with the photosensitive drum 7 equipped cleaning frame 13 is stored. The one on the connector 22 arranged compression spring 22a press against those on the development frame holders 40 and 41 existing spring seats 40h and thus ensures the maintenance of the distance between the light sensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c (ie prevents this distance from increasing).

As already described, is on the two development frame holders 40 and 41 the long guide element 12a arranged. On the development frame holder 40 are also the metal plate serving as the residual toner detection contact 122 and the developing voltage contact 121 attached; fixing the contacts 121 and 122 takes place via the on the development frame holder 40 existing mounting holes that engage in the mounting holes on the contacts.

Attaching the waste toner contact 122 is described in detail below in connection with the figures mentioned.

24 shows the sectional view II and 25 increases the in 23 (b) indicated toner detection contact and the area immediately surrounding it. The waste toner detection contact 122 has an outward portion 122a and an inward section 122b on. The outward section 122a extends to the outer surface of the holder 40 and when process cartridge B is inserted, touches the one in the main device assembly 14 arranged connection contact 126 , The inward section 122b presses against the U-shaped section 9h1 the antenna 9h , How 24 shows is the outward section 122a essentially flush with the outside 40a of the development frame holder 40 , The inward section 122b is on the antenna 9h directed.

How 25 shows, is against the inner surface of the side plate 40a oppressive base 122c of the toner detection contact 122 provided with cuts around the clamping tongues 122c1 to generate which is around the inside of the development frame holder 40 protruding cones 40h lay. The base 122c is at one point to a section 122d and this in turn to the contact section 122b angled so that it is parallel to the side plate 40a extends. The connecting section 122e extends from the base 122c along one side of the in the side plate 40a existing rectangular hole 40c angled outwards at an angle of 90 degrees and from there in the other direction by 90 degrees and forms the external contact section 122a , This external contact section 122a touches the bottom of the in the side plate 40a existing recess 40i , The depth of the recess 40i corresponds essentially to the thickness of the external contact section 122a ( 24 ). As a result, the outer surface of the outer contact portion 122a essentially flush with the outer surface 40a1 the side plate 40a , The one on the external contact section 122a subsequent end section 122f is in the in the side plate 40a existing second right eckbohrung 40j pushed and over from a side surface of this rectangular hole 40j protruding cones 40k slipped. In this way, the toner detection contact on the developing frame holder 40 attached.

How 24 also shows, the width L2 is that in the side plate 40a existing first hole 40c larger than the distance L1 between the base 122c and the outward length of the outer contact portion 122a and also greater than the length of the end section 122f of the toner detection contact 122 , The one between the end face of the pin 40k and the wall of the second bore opposite this 40j existing gap allows the end section to be pushed through 122f of the waste toner detection contact 122 ,

The assembly of the residual toner detection contact 122 is done in the manner described below. First the end section 122f from the inside of the development frame holder 40 in the first hole 40c pushed, then the residual toner detection contact 122 clockwise in 24 swiveled, the one in the base 122c existing hole over the pin 40h and the one in the end section 122f existing hole up to the tenon 40k pressed until by the elasticity of the end section 122f the cone 40k slides into this hole.

Below is the development voltage contact 121 described.

The developing voltage contact 121 also has several sections, the one in the developing frame holder 40 lying spring section 121 , the inner contact portion 121b and the one on the outside 40a1 lying external contact section 121c , When attaching the developer holder 40 on the development frame 12 becomes the spring section 121 elastic against the angled section 9d1a pressed the metal plate, whose potential is essentially that of the developing roller 9c equivalent. The inner contact section 122b is about the one with the hole 40e provided cones 40f out and is guided by the on the pin 40f slid spring contact 91 touched elastically (contact pressure about 100 g to 300 g). The friction surface of the inner contact portion 121b can be coated with an electrically conductive grease. The external contact section 121c is on the outside 40a1 the side plate 40a existing deepening. When the process cartridge B is inserted, the external contact section touches 121c in the main device assembly 14 arranged connection contact 125 and establishes the electrical connection between it and the developing roller 9c ago. The voltage transmission from the main device assembly 14 on the developing roller 9c takes place via the development voltage contact 121 and the pressure spring contact 91 ,

When attaching the development frame holder 40 on the development frame 12 comes the inner contact section 122b in the form of a leaf spring with the U-shaped section 9h1 the antenna 9h ( 28 ) and makes the electrical connection to the antenna. The contact pressure between the antenna 9h and the inner contact portion 122b is about 100 g. When inserting process cartridge B into the main unit assembly 14 becomes the electrical connection between that on the outer surface 40a1 of the development frame holder 40 lying auen contact section 122a and that in the main unit assembly 14 arranged contact 126 manufactured. An electrical signal, which is the result of a change in the amount of toner between the developing roller, is transmitted via this connection 9c and the antenna 9h resulting change in capacitive resistance corresponds. If the control unit (not shown) determines that the contact 126 transmitted signal has reached a certain value, the required replacement of the process cartridge is signaled. When mounting the development frame holder 40 on the development frame 12 the three on the inside surface of the development frame holder 40 existing mounting holes 40g ( 35 ) over the end of each as a journal for the gears 9q . 9r and 9s serving pin 12e . 12f respectively. 12g pushed. In other words, the cones 12e . 12f and 12g are thus from the development frame holder 40 and from the development framework 12 supported. In the on the inner surface of the development frame holder 40 existing hole 4m is the stirring gear 9m rotatably mounted.

As can be seen from the description fulfilled one single component (developing frame holder) various functions, So that the Assembly efficiency is improved and costs are reduced.

In this embodiment, the developing frame holder has 40 several elements, the pivot pin 20 , the spring seat 40b , the long guide 12a , the location hole 40e for the magnet 9g , the admission (cone 40f etc.) for the development voltage contact 121 , the admission (cone 40h , first hole 40c ) and the receptacle (tenon 40k etc.) for the toner detection contact 122 , the location hole 40m , the pencil 40d who have favourited Bore 40l etc., which are integral parts of the development frame holder 40 are. The developing frame holder 41 also has several elements, the pivot pin 20 , the spring seat 40b , the long guide 12a etc. as integral parts of the development frame holder 41 are. The two development frame holders 40 and 41 are made in one piece from acrylonitrile styrene copolymer resin (with 20% glass fibers).

With the in the corresponding hole 12p on the development frame 12 gripping pins 40d is the location of the two development frame holders 40 and 41 on the development frame 12 fixed. By the on the development frame holders 40 and 41 existing through holes 401 screws are inserted into the screw holes on the development frame 12r1 rotated and on this Way the developing frame holder 40 and 41 on the development frame 12 attached.

[Construction of the cleaning frame floor]

The development framework 12 and the cleaning frame 13 are with guide ribs 12l respectively. 13m provided, which is in the transport direction of the recording medium or recording material 2 extend parallel to each other on the respective frame floor. From these guide ribs 12l and 13m are the two outermost in the area of the end portion of the widest recording medium 2 arranged. In this embodiment, the outermost ribs are about 5 mm from the outer edge of the widest recording medium 2 arranged. The remaining ribs are spaced from each other between the outermost ribs to carry the recording medium 2 to facilitate. The image forming apparatus of this embodiment enables the use of recording media of different sizes, the recording medium 2 , regardless of size, is placed in the center (the center line CL coincides with the center line of the recording medium 2 match). The ribs on the bottom of the developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13 are arranged symmetrically to the center line CL. The rib height was chosen so that the recording medium could be transported without problems 2 is guaranteed. Such a construction can cause a contact between the not yet fixed toner image and the bottom of the cleaning frame 13 can be prevented so that the toner image is not damaged and the transportation efficiency is improved. 34 shows a numerical example of the arrangement of the ribs with respect to the center line CL in connection with those in Japan for the standard sizes of the recording medium 2 (Japanese industry standard) applicable symbols. The A3L symbol is for an A3 size longitudinally transported medium, the A4s symbol is for an A4 size medium medium, the ENV symbol is for an envelope medium, and the EXE symbol is for an EXE medium. The guide ribs located 5.0 mm, 13.0 mm and 28.0 mm from the center line CL 12l and or 13m are the ribs that line up with the center line of the recording medium 2 come into contact.

34 shows schematically the bottom of the cleaning frame 13 seen from the sheet transport direction. In this embodiment, the height of the guide ribs increases 13m symmetrical from the center line; both ribs of each pair of ribs corresponding to a sheet size of the recording medium have the same height. With such a construction, the ribs disposed toward the center line CL can contact the image bearing surface of the recording medium 2 and thus image damage can be reliably prevented. In this embodiment, the horizontal rib arrangement is the same as in an embodiment with ribs of the same height.

[Configuration of the electrical Contacts]

In connection with the 5 . 8th 9 and 19 the position of the contacts on the process cartridge B and in the main device assembly 14 and the establishment of the electrical connection between the main device assembly 14 and the process cartridge B used.

The process cartridge B is equipped with several electrical contacts, with ( 1 ) an electrically conductive earth contact 119 to ground the photosensitive drum 7 via the main unit assembly 14 , ( 2 ) one on the roller axis 8a the charging roller 8th connected electrically conductive contact 120 for transferring the charging voltage from the main assembly 14 on the loading roller 8th , ( 3 ) one to the developing roller 9c connected electrically conductive contact 121 for transferring the development voltage from the main assembly 14 on the developing roller 9c and ( 4 ) one to the antenna 9h connected electrically conductive contact 122 for recording the remaining toner quantity. These contacts 119 - 122 are exposed on the right end face of the cartridge frame and are arranged at a distance from one another which prevents the voltage from flashing over from one to the other. As already described, are the ground contact 119 and the charging contact 120 on the cleaning frame, the development voltage contact 121 and the waste toner detection contact 122 on the development frame 12 (developing frame 40 ) arranged. It should be noted that the residual toner detection contact 122 also has the task of the presence (or absence) of the process cartridge in the main device assembly 14 determine.

The ground contact 119 forms the axis 7a the photosensitive drum 7 or one in the axis 7a electrically conductive insert molded from plastic. In this embodiment, the axis is 7a made of iron or a similar material. The other electrical contacts 120 . 121 and 122 are about 0.1 to 3.0 mm thick strips, for example made of stainless steel, phosphor bronze or a similar material and shaped so that one leg extends into the process cartridge. The charging contact 120 is exposed on the drive side (side surface C1) of the cleaning unit C during the development voltage contact 121 and the waste toner detection contact 122 be exposed on the drive side (side surface D1) of the developing unit D.

How 20 shows, in this embodiment, the helical gear 7b at one end of the photosensitive drum 7 arranged. This helical tooth spur gear 7b engages in that in the device tehauptbaugruppe 14 arranged drive gear 28 to the photosensitive drum 7 to set in rotation. When turning the helical tooth spur gear 7b generates this one in the direction of arrow d ( 20 ) on those in the cleaning frame 13 photosensitive drum mounted with a certain axial play 7 Acting force. The face remains 7b1 of the helical tooth spur gear 7b with the inner surface 13k1 of the cleaning frame 13 the process cartridge in contact, causing the axial position of the photosensitive drum 7 is fixed in the process cartridge B. The earth contact 119 and the charging voltage contact 120 lie on the surface 13k of the cleaning frame, with the ground contact 119 at the end of the drum axis 7a is arranged and slightly (by about 0.8 mm) over the end of the cylindrical guide element 13a protrudes. The drum axis 7a is through the drum cylinder coated with a light-sensitive material (an aluminum cylinder in this embodiment) 7d guided and on both sides in the cylindrical guide element 13a on the side walls 13c and 13d stored. To the inner surface 7d1 of the drum cylinder 7d and to the outside surface 7a1 the drum axis 7a is the grounding plate 7f connected.

The charging voltage contact 120 is directly above the long guide element 12a next to the one with the charging roller 8th equipped cleaning frame 13 arranged ( 9a ) and via the electrically conductive element 120a to the charging roller shaft 8a connected.

Below is the development voltage contact 121 and the waste toner detection contact 122 described. These two contacts 121 and 122 are on the side D1 of the developing unit D, ie on the same side as the surface 13k of the cleaning frame 13 arranged. The developing voltage contact 121 is directly under the long guide element 12a and next to the right end of the frame section 12c arranged in which of the in the developing roller 9c magnet 9g ( 5 ) is stored, and via the compression spring 91 electrically to the developing roller 9c connected ( 9b ). How 5 shows is the waste toner detection contact 122 in the cartridge insertion direction (arrow direction X in 8th ) seen in front of the long guide element 12a arranged and over the electrically conductive element 9f to the in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c and connected in parallel to this extending antenna. The antenna 9h is at a certain distance from the developing roller 9c arranged. The capacitive resistance between the antenna 9h and the developing roller 9c changes depending on the amount of toner between these two components; that is, the change in the mentioned capacitive resistance becomes from one to the main device assembly 14 belonging control unit measured as a change in the potential difference and the residual toner quantity determined therefrom.

The term "residual toner amount" is the amount of toner which has a certain value of the capacitive resistance between the developing roller 9c and the antenna 9h represents. In other words, when this particular value of capacitive resistance is measured, it has that in the toner chamber 11A remaining toner amount reaches the predetermined size.

That is, the one in the toner chamber 11a Remaining toner quantity is determined if that in the main device assembly 14 arranged control unit the predetermined value of the capacitive resistance between the developing roller 9c and the antenna 9h into the main unit assembly 14 used and via the residual toner detection contact 122 measures electrically connected to this process cartridge B. When this value is measured, the main device module signals 14 the required replacement of process cartridge B (e.g. by a flashing lamp or a buzzer). If the capacitive resistance measured by the control unit corresponds to a predetermined second value, which is smaller than the first value, this is an acknowledgment that a process cartridge B is located in the main device assembly 14 located. If the control circuit determines that this condition does not exist, the device main assembly 14 not activated. In other words, the control unit prevents the image generation from starting.

The warning signal mentioned (for example a flashing lamp) enables the operator to be informed of the absence of the process cartridge B in the main device assembly 14 be informed.

Below is the electrical connection between those on the process cartridge B and those in the main unit assembly 14 arranged contacts described.

How 19 shows are the four contacts 123 - 126 arranged on one side of the process cartridge receiving space S present in the image forming device A, so that the contact when the process cartridge B is inserted 123 the connection to the earth contact 119 , the contact 124 the connection to the charging voltage contact 120 , the contact 125 the connection to the development voltage contact 121 and the contact 126 the connection to the waste toner detection contact 122 manufactures.

As the 19 (a) and 19 (b) show is the ground contact 123 at the level of the depression 16a5 and the charging voltage contact 124 above the second guideway 16b arranged during the development voltage contact 125 and the waste toner detection contact 126 under the first track 16a are arranged.

Below is the positional Relationship between these contacts described.

How 5 shows, is the developing voltage contact in the vertical direction (as seen from the horizontal) 121 the bottom contact, above which is almost at the level of the residual toner sungskontakt 122 , the long guide 12a and the cylindrical guide member 13a (Grounding contact 119 ) are arranged; the charging voltage contact 120 is the top contact, which is like the short guide element 13b is arranged above this. The residual toner detection contact is seen in the cartridge insertion direction (arrow direction X) 122 the foremost contact on which the long guide element 12a , the charging voltage contact 120 , the developing voltage contact 121 and the short guide element 13b as well as the cylindrical guide element 13a (Grounding contact 119 ) join in the order mentioned. With this arrangement, the charging voltage contact is located 120 at the level of the charging roller 8th , the developing voltage contact 121 at the level of the developing roller 9c , the waste toner detection contact 122 at the level of the antenna 9h and the ground contact 119 at the level of the photosensitive drum 7 , which can shorten the wiring for these contacts.

The charging voltage contact 120 has a height and a width of about 10.0 mm (tolerance range 8.0 to 12.0 mm), the developing voltage contact 121 has a height of approximately 9.0 mm (tolerance range 6.0 to 12.0 mm) and a width of approximately 8.0 mm (tolerance range 5.0 to 11.0 mm), the residual toner detection contact 122 a height of approximately 8.0 mm (tolerance range 6.0 to 10.0 mm) and a width of approximately 9.0 mm (tolerance range 7.0 to 11.0 mm) and the ground contact 119 with a circular cross-section a diameter of about 7.0 mm. The charging voltage contact 120 , the developing voltage contact 121 and the waste toner detection contact 122 have a rectangular cross-section.

The ground contact grounded through the chassis of the main unit assembly 123 ( 19 and 26 ) has the shape of a leaf spring and is at the level of the recess 16a5 angeord net, in which the cylindrical guide element 13a (with the axle stored in it 7a the photosensitive drum 7 ) with earth contact attached to it 119 slides to fix the position of the process cartridge B. The other contacts 124 . 125 and 126 are in appropriate housings 127 housed and protrude from compression springs 129 burdened from this. The construction is based on the in 20 shown charging voltage contact 124 described. How 20 shows; is the charging voltage contact 124 in one housing 127 housed, which on a circuit board 128 is attached to a side wall of the device main assembly, and is supported by an electrically conductive compression spring that contacts the circuit pattern 129 so burdened that this something from the housing 127 protrudes, but cannot emerge from it.

Below is in conjunction with 21 described the manner in which the electrical connection between the charging voltage contact arranged in the imaging device A and the charging voltage contact 120 the process cartridge B used in this described. 21 shows the movement of the charging voltage contact 124 in the direction of the arrow H when inserting the process cartridge B into the image-forming device A. It should be noted that in 21 the sectional view in the direction of arrow O ( 5 ) is shown.

When the process cartridge B for insertion into the image forming apparatus on the guideways 16a and 16b is pushed, the charging voltage contact is located 124 itself in the in 21 (a) shown state and touches the straight surface 30 of the cleaning frame 13 Not. When the process cartridge B is inserted further, the charging voltage contact comes into play 124 with the inclined surface 31 ( 5 ) on the right side wall 13c of the cleaning frame 13 in contact, slides on it and presses the compression spring 129 together in 21 (b) shown state) and then glides on the straight surface 32 until the charging voltage contact 120 comes into contact with it (in 21 (c) shown state). Contact comes in the same way 121 with the contact 125 and the contact 122 with the contact 126 in touch.

With this arrangement, when the process cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus A, it comes on the guideways 16 the contacts arranged on it reliably come into contact with the counter-contacts arranged in the main device assembly.

When the process cartridge B is in the end position in the main unit assembly 14 has reached, the electrical connection between that of the cylindrical guide element 13a protruding leaf spring-shaped earth contact 119 ( 20 ) and the earth contact 123 manufactured and thereby the photosensitive drum 7 grounded. At the same time, the electrical connection between the charge voltage contacts 120 and 124 made to the charge roller 8th to feed with a high voltage (AC / DC superimposed voltage). At the same time, the electrical connection between the development voltage contacts 121 and 125 for feeding the developing roller 9c with a high voltage and between the residual toner detection contacts 122 and 126 for signaling the information representing the capacitive resistance to the main device assembly 14 manufactured.

The following describes how the image forming apparatus A uses the photosensitive drum 7 sets in rotation. The photosensitive drum 7 has in the process cartridge B an axial play of 2 to 3 mm to facilitate the insertion of the process cartridge B in the image forming device A. Therefore, the charging voltage contact 124 and the other contacts a little more than this game out of the case 127 protrude. In this embodiment, it is above the guideway 16a the main unit assembly 14 a leaf spring 45 arranged, which the process cartridge B after egg side (the side on which the contacts 123 - 126 are arranged). If the contacts 119 - 122 and the helical tooth spur gear 7b As in this embodiment, being arranged on the same side and this side of the process cartridge B being regarded as the reference side, errors in the component size can be reduced and the contacts and the gear can be mounted more precisely. If the toothing direction is chosen so that the force generated when the photosensitive drum rotates acts in the direction in which the helical gear is arranged, the axial position of the photosensitive drum 7 fixed on the side on which the contacts are arranged; In addition to the effects mentioned, this improves the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum and the contacts. If the lever 23 ( 6 ) for swiveling the drum cover back and forth 18 as in this embodiment on the contacts 119 - 122 opposite side is arranged, when inserting the process cartridge B in the image forming device A of the contacts 119 - 122 generated frictional resistance and when pivoting the lever 23 Resistance occurring is distributed over both ends of the process cartridge B; in other words, the resistance occurring when the process cartridge B is inserted is uniformly distributed in the longitudinal direction thereof, so that the insertion process can be carried out without problems.

If, as in the previous embodiment described, all contacts arranged on one and the same side wall of the cartridge frame and the process cartridge from the leaf spring is loaded axially, is the manufacture of a stable electrical connection between those on the process cartridge arranged contacts and the contacts arranged in the main device assembly possible.

22 shows a construction in which the contacts and the lever 23 are arranged on the same side. The effects mentioned can also be achieved with a cartridge configured in this way.

In each of the described embodiments becomes the process cartridge B used to create monochromatic images, but the present one Invention is also transferable to a multi-color process cartridge, which two or has more developing devices and for producing multicolored Images (two-color or three-color images or full-color images) is used.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member is not on the photosensitive drum described 7 limited. The present invention is also applicable to other types of photosensitive elements. For example, amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, an organic photoconductive material (OPC) or a similar material can be used as the light-sensitive material. The base element, which is coated with light-sensitive material, is generally a drum or a belt. In the case of a drum, a cylinder made of an aluminum alloy or a similar material is used as the base element and this is coated with a photoconductive material in different ways.

According to the present invention can be different known development methods are applied, e.g. B. the double component magnetic brushes Cascade process, the laying on process, the fog process or another suitable method.

In this embodiment, the so-called touch charging method is used, but the present invention is also applicable to other conventional charging methods, for example, the method using a tungsten electrode 3 Metal screens made of aluminum or a similar material are arranged and the positive or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage to the tungsten electrode are transferred to the surface of the photosensitive drum to charge it evenly.

As a loading device, besides the called roller a lamella (loading lamella), a cushion, a block, a stick or something like that configured element can be used.

To remove residual toner from the photosensitive drum can be a lamella, a brush, a magnetic brush or another suitable element can be used.

As already described, all are electrical contacts of the process cartridge arranged on an end face of the cartridge frame; if of that in the main unit assembly arranged elastic pressure element laterally displaced the process cartridge is between the existing on the process cartridge and in the main device assembly existing contacts a reliable electrical connection getting produced.

If the helical gear and the electrical Contacts are arranged on the side, against which during rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member depressed will be both a reliable electrical connection as well as a reliable mechanical drive connection getting produced.

If the individual contacts as in all described embodiments are shortened of the wiring path within the process cartridge possible.

According to this embodiment the electrical circuit board in the main unit assembly to which the electrical contacts are to be connected, vertically be arranged on the corresponding side plate, so that a reduction the device size is possible.

As already described, is at this embodiment even in the case of a large one Amount of toner has a high toner supply efficiency to be recorded.

According to the present invention become a developing device holder, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided which can be easily assembled.

Although the invention is based on the disclosed constructions, it is not based on limited the details set out, and this application is intended to make possible modifications and changes to be included in the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (15)

Development device holder ( 40 ) which can be used with a process cartridge (B), hereinafter referred to as a work unit (B), which can be detachably arranged on a main assembly of an electrophotographic image-forming device (A), the work unit being an electrophotographic, photosensitive drum ( 7 ) has a developing roller ( 9c ) for supplying toner to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum ( 7 ) to develop a latent image generated thereon and a development framework ( 12 ), the development roller ( 9c ), whereby the development device holder is a separate element and at one longitudinal end of the development frame ( 12 ) can be arranged, with the developing device holder ( 40 ) has: an antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) for arranging an antenna contact ( 122 ) for transmitting an electrical signal to a detection device which is arranged in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device (A) to report the arrangement of the working unit (B) on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device, the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) the antenna contact ( 122 ) arranged so that the developer device holder ( 40 ) is exposed when the developing device holder is attached to the developing frame ( 12 ), characterized in that the developing device holder further comprises: - a guide element ( 12a ) for guiding the work unit (B) when the work unit (B) is arranged on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device (A), the guide element ( 12a ) is arranged on the same side as a side on which the antenna contact is exposed when the antenna contact ( 122 ) on the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) is arranged, the guide element ( 12a ) is arranged on the output side of the antenna contact with respect to an arrangement direction (X) of the working unit (B), the developer device holder ( 40 ) with the guide element ( 12a ) and the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) is made in one piece and the development device holder ( 40 ) on the development framework ( 12 ) the work unit (B) can be arranged. The developing device holder according to claim 1, wherein the antenna contact ( 122 ) on the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) is arranged by an interference fit. The developing device holder according to claim 1, further comprising a developing bias contact arranging section ( 40f ) for arranging a development bias contact ( 121 ) for receiving a development bias from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the process unit is arranged on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the developing bias contact arranging section ( 40f ) arranges the development bias contact to the development bias contact ( 121 ) from the developer device holder ( 40 ) exposed when the developing device holder is arranged on the developing frame. The developing device holder according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the developing bias contact ( 121 ) is operative to apply the developing bias to the developing roller and to apply a bias to a plate that supports a developing blade for regulating an amount of toner applied to a periphery of the developing roller. Development device holder according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the antenna contact ( 122 ) is operative to transmit an electrical signal to the sensing device to report the location of the process unit on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device and to transmit an electrical signal to the sensing device to tell the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device to take a quantity of toner in a toner receiving section for picking up toner which is fed through the developing roller to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A developing device holder according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a magnet ( 9g ) is arranged in the developing roller and the developing device holder ( 40 ) a magnetic bearing section ( 40e ) for supporting one end of the magnet. Unit of work attached to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus can be removably arranged, which comprises: a) an electrophotographic, photosensitive drum ( 7 ), b) a developing roller ( 9 ) for supplying toner to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum ( 7 ) on the photosensitive drum ( 7 ) to develop a latent image, c) a development framework ( 12 ) for storing the developing roller and d) a developing device holder ( 40 ), wherein the developing device holder is a separate element and can be arranged on a longitudinal end of the developing frame, the developing device holder comprising: an antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) for arranging an antenna contact ( 122 ) for transmitting an electrical signal to a detection device which is arranged in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device (A) in order to report the arrangement of the working unit (B) on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device, the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) the antenna contact ( 122 ) arranged so that the developer device holder ( 40 ) to be exposed when the processor holder on the development frame ( 12 ), characterized in that the developing device holder further comprises: - a guide element ( 12a ) for guiding the work unit (B) when the work unit (B) is arranged on the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (A), the guide element ( 12a ) is arranged on the same side as a side on which the antenna contact is exposed when the antenna contact ( 122 ) on the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) is arranged, the guide element ( 12a ) is arranged on the output side of the antenna contact in relation to an arrangement direction (X) of the working unit (B), the developer device holder ( 40 ) with the guide element ( 12a ) and the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) is made in one piece and the development device holder ( 40 ) on the development framework ( 12 ) the work unit (B) can be arranged. Working unit according to claim 7, wherein the antenna contact ( 122 ) is arranged on the antenna contact arrangement section by press fitting. The work unit according to claim 7, further comprising a development bias contact arranging section ( 40f ) for arranging a development bias contact ( 121 ) for receiving a development bias from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the process unit is arranged on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the developing bias contact arranging section ( 40f ) the development bias contact ( 121 ) so as to remove the development bias contact from the development device holder ( 40 ) exposed. The process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the development bias contact ( 121 ) is operative to apply the developing bias to the developing roller and to apply a bias to a plate that supports a developing blade for regulating an amount of toner applied to a periphery of the developing roller. Working unit according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the antenna contact ( 122 ) is operative to transmit an electrical signal to the sensing device that signals the location of the process unit on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device and to transmit an electrical signal to the sensing device to allow the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device to take a quantity of toner in one Report toner receiving portion for receiving toner which is supplied through the developing roller of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Work unit according to claim 10, wherein a magnet ( 9g ) is arranged in the developing roller and the developing device holder ( 40 ) a magnetic bearing section ( 40e ) for supporting one end of the magnet. Working unit according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the working unit is a charging element ( 8th ) for charging the electrophotographic, photosensitive drum ( 7 ) having. Working unit according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the working unit is a cleaning element ( 10 ) for removing toner on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum ( 7 ) is backward. Combination of an image forming device with a main assembly, on which a work unit can be detachably arranged, and a work unit, the device comprising: a) an arrangement device for detachably arranging the work unit and b) a feed device for feeding a recording material, and wherein the work unit comprises: a) an electrophotographic, photosensitive drum ( 7 ), b) a developing roller ( 9c ) for supplying toner to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum ( 7 ) on the photosensitive drum ( 7 ) to develop a latent image, c) a development framework ( 12 ) for storing the developing roller and d) a developing device holder ( 40 ), wherein the developing device holder is a separate element and can be arranged on a longitudinal end of the developing frame, the developing device holder comprising: an antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) for arranging an antenna contact ( 122 ) for transmitting an electrical signal to a detection device which is arranged in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device (A) in order to report the arrangement of the working unit (B) on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device, the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) the antenna contact ( 122 ) arranged so that the developer device holder ( 40 ) to be exposed when the processor holder on the development frame ( 12 ), characterized in that the developing device holder further comprises: - a guide element ( 12a ) for guiding the work unit (B) when the work unit (B) is arranged on the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (A), the guide element ( 12a ) is arranged on the same side as a side on which the antenna contact is exposed when the antenna contact ( 122 ) on the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) is arranged, the guide element ( 12a ) is arranged on the output side of the antenna contact in relation to an arrangement direction (X) of the working unit (B), the developer device holder ( 40 ) with the guide element ( 12a ) and the antenna contact arrangement section ( 40h . 40k ) is made in one piece and the development device holder ( 40 ) on the development framework ( 12 ) the work unit (B) can be arranged.